Come on our Canal Cruise in Medieval Ghent !!

A highlight of any visit to IMG_3803Ghent has to include a canal cruise… come on board with Bev.

A thirty minute smooth express train ride and we were in the neighbouring town of Gent. Twice the population of Brugge, but still only 250,000. Small enough to feel cosy, but big enough to stay vibrant and dynamic with modern trams. Medieval Gent was a cloth town that grew to become Europes largest medieval city (around 1200- 1300) after Paris and Constantinople (Istanbul). Today, Gent is Flanders’ biggest university town.

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Mark also admiring the historic buildings along the canal!IMG_3785 IMG_3788 IMG_3796

Where’s the diver perched up there?…. can you see him?

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Found him!!!IMG_3827

Beautiful sculptures divert our attention from the historic facades for a moment!IMG_3870

IMG_3838Hope you are not afraid of the dark – this is a 200m long canal tunnel – keep your heads down!

 

 

 

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The stone castle is 12th century, includes moat, turrets and arrow slits.IMG_3849IMG_3857 IMG_3845

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Hope you enjoyed our cruise.IMG_3869

Before leaving Gent, Mark is checking the map for extra highlights to share with you. Saint Baaf’s Cathedral is interesting, The Belfry (bell tower – not a church tower), built 1300 as proud symbol of independence from church. The van Eyck brothers are famous Belgian painters.

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The Cloth Halls (above) are gothic style and glorifies the industry to which the city owes much.

15th Century enormous 5metre red cannon used 250kg cannon balls, and was the biggest of the middle ages and luckily never put t use!!

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I dont know about you, but I would love an ice-cream. …. WHAT?  . . . .  Australian Home Made ice cream in Ghent???

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Back in Brugge, we ventured on a round trip of 55km bike riding enjoying quiet, idyllic countryside & canals on our ride to the northern coastal beaches of Belgium….. The Belgian Riviera?? Knokke Heist.

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5 thoughts on “Come on our Canal Cruise in Medieval Ghent !!

  1. How did you get On with your insurance this year ?

    Michael and Pam

    Sent from Michael’s iPad Air

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    1. Hello Michael and Pam,
      We got insurance with HIC (Herts Insurance) for three months cover. Still expensive – 500 pounds.
      I am going to try harder next year, now that I have a positive history – if they will listen!!

      Have a great day,
      Mark & Bev

  2. Gidday Mark and Bev.
    Looks like you have settle in nice and easy and the sun is out ,how is the Belgique beer going,we have left Croatia now and are discovering Slovenia there is so much to see .
    All the best on your travels and keep safe. Cheers
    Mark and Mireille

  3. Hi from London! Those pics look stunning and with the TDF starting soon- you seem to have made the perfect start to your trip. Everybody here is fine and getting on with it.

    Mike and Pinki.

  4. Great to see you are well and truly enjoying your new adventures.just love sharing your experiences !!!! great pics. keep on enjoying.xx

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